Egregore of the self - By Astha

Written By: Astha

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Presenting "Egregore of the self," a poignant poem by Astha, featured in the Poetry category of the Hashtag Kalakar's Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece explores the inner complexities of the self, capturing the reader with its introspective and emotional depth.

About the Work

"Egregore of the self" delves into themes of self-reflection and emotional isolation. Through vivid imagery and a contemplative tone, Astha crafts a narrative of personal struggle and longing. The poem's language invites readers to ponder the intricacies of identity and emotional resilience, creating a resonant and thought-provoking experience.

Egregore of the self

Original Submission by Astha

Egregore of the self

Away from the complexities of life,

I soar- Distant and clueless,

like a foreign lore.

Wrinkling away like a fallen leaf,

I drown beneath the solemn reef.

As I barricade behind the walls of grief,

Sadness creeps in from the hole I dig so deep.

Losing myself to the casually cruel world,

I question my tugs of emotion, twirled.

Bolting from opportunities is where I shine,

Tangled thoughts are the ones I hide.

“Unlovable” is but just a word-

Like an insect trapped within a bud,

It grows inside like an egregore,

Constantly longing for a little more.

As I engage with the demons of solidarity,

My words cast away the clouds of clarity.

As I interrogate my hidden wounds,

The pain stands still like a verdure pruned.

Blinding myself from the spectrum of love,

I accept my fate of a long-lost bird.

Like a beacon on a barren land,

I trace a path for my longings, still, as they stand.

Overcoming the clutch of fate,

I leap above the bounding gates.

A faint trail passes through it all,

As a slithering snake asking for withdrawal.

Sunbeams fall upon the cascade of dreams,

Like freckles of life streaming from within.

Time stands still as the corpuscles make their way,

And I finally see my hometown, a few light years away.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the diverse voices and imaginative creations of writers worldwide. This prestigious platform provides participants an opportunity to showcase their literary talents and share their unique perspectives with a broader audience.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Astha for sharing "Egregore of the self" with us. This thought-provoking poem adds depth to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, and we're grateful for the opportunity to feature your work.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.